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Best 5 Solar Companies in Atlantic City, NJ
The best solar company in Atlantic City is Castle Energy LLC.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
Atlantic City homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to generate energy and heat their water. With all the options to choose from in this vibrant community, you might feel swamped searching for the right installer. Discover Atlantic City's top-rated solar companies and learn crucial decision-making tips on this page.
5 Best Solar Companies in Atlantic City
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
Castle Energy LLC
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Sun Up Zero Down
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Sunshine Solar Energy
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Energy Defenders
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Soaring Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Ranking Methodology
We assessed dozens of Atlantic City solar installers, using the following criteria to determine the superior:
- Professional licenses and credentials: Each installer on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Atlantic City community for a decade or longer.
- Customer reviews and feedback: Most Atlantic City solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
- Panel brands and quality: The top solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
- Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
- Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
Facts about Atlantic City
- Average Max Temperature:62°F
- Solar Payback Period:12 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:56%
- Homes Powered by Solar:879
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,498
- Solar Power per Capita:98.8%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during storms and grid outages.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
- Lower energy bills: Generating some or all of your own electricity will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that enable you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Atlantic City Homeowners?
New Jersey agencies and electric companies offer multiple solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.
Incentive Type:Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type:Performance-Based Incentive
Website:https://www.njcleanenergy.com/renewable-energy/programs/susi-program
Incentive Amount:
Net-Metered Residential: $90/SREC-II
Small Net-Metered Non-Residential located on Rooftop, Carport, Canopy and Floating Solar
Projects smaller than 1 MW (dc): $100/SREC-II, $120 for public entities
Projects 1 MW to 5 MW (dc): $90/SREC-II, $110 for public entities
Net Metered Non-Residential Ground Mount
Projects smaller than 1 MW (dc): $85/SREC-II, $105 for public entities
Projects 1 MW to 5 MW (dc): $80/SREC-II, $100 for public entities
Community Solar LMI: $90/SREC-II
Community Solar Non-LMI: $70/SREC-II
Incentive Type:Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of value added by renewable system
Incentive Type:Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Incentive Amount:
Determined by the market.
In June 2016, SREC traded at an average price of $229.90.
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:http://www.njcleanenergy.com/residential/programs/nj-energy-star-homes/nj-energy-star-homes
Incentive Amount:
Incentives depend on the HERS score and the classification
Single family homes: Ranges from $1,125 to - 24,250
Multi-single homes: Ranges from $1,125 to $18,188
Multifamily homes: Ranges from $625-$12,125
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Incentive Amount:
Rebates
Single family : $2,000 to $4,000
Multi-family : $500-$1,500 per unit
Rebates for single family and multi-family should not exceed 50% of the cost of the measures used to calculate total estimated savings (TES)
See table below for details
Loans
Single-family: $5,000 (Tier II) or $10,000 (Tier III)4.99% interest loans up to $15,000 (where utility 0% financing is unavailable)
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:http://NJCleanEnergy.com/Cool
Incentive Amount:
Central AC: Tier 1 $300(Tier 1), $500 (Tier 2)
Ductless Mini Split A/C or Heat Pump: $500
Air Source Heat Pump: $300 (Tier 1), $500(Tier 2)
Geothermal Heat Pump: $500
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Incentive Amount:
Residential Electric Customers (including municipal utility customers):
Solar Hot Water Heater: $1,200
Heat Pump Water Heater: $500
Geothermal Heat Pump: $500
Air-Source or Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $300- $500
Residential Gas Customers (including propane):
Gas Furnace: $250- $500
Gas Boiler: $300
Gas Water Heater: $300
Solar Hot Water Heater: $1,200
Oil Heating Customers:
Oil Furnace: $250
Oil Boiler: $300
Combination Rebate
Boiler and Water Heater Combination Rebate: $700
Furnace and Water Heater Combination Rebate: $700- $950
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Website:http://www.njcleanenergy.com/renewable-energy/programs/renewable-energy-incentive-program
Incentive Amount:
$900,000 or 30% of the cost per project, which ever is less
Incentive Type:Personal Tax Credit
Website:https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/ev-appliance-solar-tax-credit-calculator
Incentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Atlantic City
The price and effectiveness of solar panels often rely on the solar company that mounted them. Here are some crucial criteria to keep in mind while searching for a solar installer.
Licensing and Training
Licensing requirements mean that your New Jersey solar installation team may have a variety of different professionals, including a master plumber for piping work and an electrician for wiring work. The most senior professionals on the team will also pull permits for the job. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Atlantic City
The type of solar panels you select decides how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.
Additional accessories, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor includes these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.
If you're a resident of Atlantic City and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $17,650 for materials and labor. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,126.07 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $878.34 |
Thin-Film | $513.49 |
Solar Battery | $720.69 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,702.57 |
Financing Solar Energy in Atlantic City
Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, solar leases and solar loans. We suggest paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally advise against these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in particular circumstances. Ask each business you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Atlantic City.
You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own financing plans and rebates that could reduce your total cost even more.
Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
---|---|
1 kW | 2.8 years |
2 kW | 5.6 years |
5 kW | 14.1 years |
10 kW | 28.2 years |
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar in Atlantic City
On average, Atlantic City homeowners shell out approximately $1,498 per year on energy bills. Once you pay off your solar array, you could reduce your costs by $1,016.61 for every kilowatt you produce.
Yes, solar energy is readily available in Atlantic City. A growing number of local homes are already using solar power on-site or through utility grids, and New Jersey has about 6225 jobs forming its solar economy.
Yes, new solar systems translate to higher property values according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL.) Homeowners could project a $20 property value increase for each dollar they save on energy. Therefore, $600 in energy savings could boost your property value by $12,000.
Modern solar installations are built to last. The average panel is good for 25 years of service. Lower-cost panels tend to last shorter than top-tier models.
The average Atlantic City solar system size is 4.5 kilowatts (kW). However, your final system size depends on your household's power consumption. Your roof size, surrounding shading, and panel model could also impact your final result. A professional solar provider will consider these factors and determine the right array size for your home.
The average payback period for a solar loan in Atlantic City is 12.2 years. By paying off extra principal each month, you can shorten the payback period and own your system faster.
Net metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar homeowners for any excess electricity they generate and return to the grid.
Some states or energy providers mandate you to join net metering when purchasing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you participate, you'll get a bill credit or check for your excess generation at a wholesale or retail rate.
Even the most respected Atlantic City solar providers will have both supportive and unfavorable reviews. To make the most informed selection possible, focus on these warning signs to know if a company isn't worth your investment:
- Aggressive sales pitch
- Not being straightforward about references, warranties, training and credentials and cost
- Inflexible options
- Superficial, rushed site evaluation
- Limited online information
Sources
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